(Aceh, Indonesia) — Following six boat arrivals between November 2022 and February 2023, IOM continues to provide humanitarian assistance to Rohingya refugees in Aceh in close partnership with national and local authorities.

The humanitarian assistance to refugees in Aceh supported by IOM includes shelter, non-food items, protection and risk communication, health, mental health and psychosocial support.

In advanced coordination with the government, IOM has recently reduced its role in the provision of water and sanitation services due to funding constrains for this sector. As part of a multi-stakeholder humanitarian response, IOM is however coordinating with other partners to scale up their support to WASH to ensure similar levels of assistance are maintained.

IOM remains committed to support the Government of Indonesia with provision of humanitarian assistance and sustained support to Rohingya refugees and commends the continued humanitarian spirit of local communities in Aceh that have extended their support to the refugees and actively supported the efforts to meet the humanitarian needs. 

IOM Indonesia currently assists over 7,000 refugees in Indonesia with comprehensive care and assistance, including accommodation, healthcare, mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS), education and basic needs.

IOM also works closely with the Government of Indonesia in counter-trafficking in persons, strengthening protection for labour migrants, strengthening resilience and preparedness to disaster and support integrated border management systems.

IOM’s humanitarian assistance to Rohingya refugees in Aceh is funded by European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) and the U.S Department of State’s Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM).

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For further information about this programme, please contact Stefano Bresaola, Programme Coordinator Disaster Climate Resilience at IOM Indonesia, email: sbresaola@iom.int, or for an interview request, please contact Josephine Imelda, Tel: +62 813 1869 3599, Email: jimelda@iom.int